Syngonium podophyllum 'Bob Allusion'

Origin of Syngonium podophyllum 'Bob Allusion'

Agri-Starts selected 'Bob Allusion' in Apopka, Florida. It arose as a variation during tissue-culture propagation.

How to care for Syngonium podophyllum 'Bob Allusion' at home

Keep the root ball lightly moist, allowing some drying between waterings. Check for a lighter pot and slightly moist mix below the surface, using a wooden stick when needed. Water the whole root ball, allow it to drain and empty collected runoff.

A pot with drainage holes and an airy mix are important. Equal parts coir, vermiculite and perlite are one option. Check the roots when they appear at the surface or drainage holes. If they tightly fill the pot, repot the plant in a container only a little larger, preferably during active growth.

Give 'Bob Allusion' medium to bright indirect light and a stable temperature around 18–27 °C. Shield it from harsh sun and cold draughts. Humidity around 50% is helpful; average household humidity is tolerated. A humidifier is an option in very dry air.

While leaves are developing, feed about monthly with diluted balanced houseplant fertiliser according to the label. Stop feeding when growth stops, and water less often as the mix takes longer to dry.

Common problems with Syngonium podophyllum 'Bob Allusion'

• New curling: Check the mix around the roots. If dry, water the root ball thoroughly and let it drain. If the mix is wet, empty any collected water and let the mix dry slightly before watering again. Cold draughts, dry heat and insufficient light can also affect the leaves: move the plant away from heaters or draughts, improve humidity, or provide brighter filtered light as needed.
• Soft, spreading dark spots: Wet-looking patches that expand and develop an unpleasant smell may indicate bacterial disease. Separate the plant and keep its leaves dry. Remove and bag affected leaves, disinfecting the cutting tool before use, between cuts and afterwards. If the spots keep spreading, ask a plant specialist to assess the plant. You may need to discard it if extensive collapse affects the stems.
• Increasing flecks or bronze damage: Fine stippling and webbing can result from spider mites. Inspect the undersides for moving pests, then isolate any infested plant and check its neighbours. Wash or gently wipe affected leaves weekly while mites persist. Remove badly infested leaves and put them in a bag, then clean hands and tools.

Syngonium podophyllum ‘Bob Allusion’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Syngonium podophyllum: name and meaning

The name Syngonium comes from Greek words meaning “together” and “reproductive organs”, referring to the united ovaries in its flowers. The species name podophyllum means “foot-leaved”, a reference to the foot-like arrangement of mature leaf divisions.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Syngonium in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 3, page 780.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott first described Syngonium podophyllum in 1851 in Botanische Zeitung (Berlin), volume 9, page 85.